Maori Health

Image: Brennan Thomas

Historically, Maori have been disadvantaged and over represented in negative statistics of most social areas. The health environment to Turanganui-a-Kiwa is no different. In fact, research reveals that many Maori in Turanganui-a-Kiwa are more likely to suffer than non-Maori from diabetes, oral hygiene, heart disease, asthma, smoking, alcohol, drugs, mental health, and the list goes on.

The picture of Iwi and Maori health in Turanganui-a-Kiwa poses significant challenges. The task set down for providers of health services such as Turanga Health, is to ensure that improvements in the health status of Iwi and Maori in Turanganui-a-Kiwa, is achieved. Improving the general health status of our Iwi and Maori regionally, is a small but valued contribution nationally in terms of all Iwi and Maori.

The current health status of our people and Maori in general must certainly raise questions about the effectiveness of past government health initiatives. However, we note that there is goodwill on the part of government to assist in reversing the negative Iwi and Maori health statistics.

With that goodwill in mind, supplemented with the principles of partnership, protection and participation, both Turanga Health and Government can look forward to some significant health gains for the future.